A generator can sort things out for you when your primary power source dies. Now there are so many different generator brands available on the market. But among one of the best is Predator. Predator Generators have a range of different units with varying capacities and features. Therefore, you will find a team that is ideal for different purposes. The manufacturers of these Predator generators are Harbor Freight Tools. They equip these units with powerful engines that deliver performance.
These portable units can charge your devices and power up your appliances. And the best part is that these units are available at relatively lower prices than competitors. No matter what your situation is, Predator has a portable unit for you. But which one of these units has what to offer?
We have developed a Top 5 list of the best Predator generators and have reviewed them in detail. So, read on and find out which one of these predator generators is suitable for you.
In A Hurry? Our #1 Recommended Predator Generator is …
Want to go for a powerful unit that can handle anything you throw at it? Consider the Predator 8750.
It has a max output capacity of 8750 watts and a running capacity of 7000 watts. The unit has a massive fuel tank and is highly efficient. It might be slightly high on the price, but you will get your value for money in the long run.
Predator Generator Comparison Table
Generators | Output Capacity | Runtime | Running Capacity | Engine & Sound | Weight |
Predator 8750 | 8750 watts | 15.1 hours @ 25% | 7000 watts | 420cc & 75 dB | 151 lbs |
Predator 6500 | 6500 watts | 14.1 hours @ 50% | 5500 watts | 301cc & 73.5 dB | 165 lbs |
Predator 4550 | 4550 watts | 16.1 hours @ 25% | 3650 watts | 223cc & 64.6 dB | 82 lbs |
Predator 2000 | 2000 watts | 12 hours @ 25% | 1600 watts | 79cc & 58 dB | 49 lbs |
Predator 1400 | 1400 watts | 7.3 hours @ 25% | 1100 watts | 54cc & 60 dB | 33 lbs |
Best Predator Generators Reviewed
Predator 8750 Watt Inverter Generator
The best Predator generator you can find on the market is the Predator 8750. This high-powered inverter generator comes with an awe-inspiring supply capacity.
Its design makes it ideally suitable for both outdoor and indoor use. It can power up your microwave, fan, lights, oven, fridge, and so much more when you use it indoors. So, the Predator 8750 is a reliable backup system for power outages.
It can work well as your outdoor unit. For example, you can use it on your job site and benefit from the portability it has to offer. This unit is ideal for construction, recreation, or any other use.
This unit is compact and won’t take up much space. So, you can place it wherever you want. The unit might not be in the lightweight category, but you can still move it comfortably with the help of a wheel kit.
This unit has a durable construction, and all its components are made of quality materials and top-notch craftsmanship. Therefore, you can expect long-term performance with high efficiency.
Moreover, this unit comes with plenty of capacity to run a range of different devices and appliances. Its max power output is 8750 watts, so it will provide this much power under any circumstances.
When you need more energy, you can rely on this unit to provide power to all your home essentials. Some units need a lot of care and maintenance. But that is not the case with Predator 8750. You will only need to clean it regularly, and you are all done.
And the best part is that you can clean independently and don’t have to seek professional help. The unit is energy efficient and will keep your monthly bills under control. It runs on a gas engine and has a total 15-hour runtime.
There are plenty of outlets, and you connect different tools with your unit. It comes with a couple of 240-volt plugs and 6 other outlets. You can join different tools and electronics for various scenarios like camping, recreation, worksites, etc.
Verdict
There might be other portable units available from lesser-known brands, and you might think that it’s an experienced unit, but it’s well worth the price. The unit will continue to work for a long time and deliver exceptional performance. Moreover, you can use a range of different purposes outdoors and indoors.
Check Out Our Review Of The Predator 8750 Generator >>
Predator 6500 Watt Gas Powered Portable Generator
The runner-up on our list is the Predator 6500. This unit has a maximum power output of 6500 watts and a running capacity of 5500 watts. The unit is a perfect portable unit for anyone looking to spend a few more dollars on premium quality design and a highly efficient engine.
This unit is equipped with a gas-powered engine, and it can keep your home sufficiently powered if you are dealing with a breakdown. With just a single gas tank, this unit can run up to 14 hours and features a low oil indicator.
The Predator 6500 unit is a pretty quiet engine. If you are looking for a much quieter generator that doesn’t make much noise, you should consider going for the Predator 6500.
This unit is rated for a 74 dB noise level, and if you live in a friendly neighborhood, this unit will work the best. It will be useful on a campsite where you won’t be disturbing your neighbors with the generator noise at night time.
It has a fuel capacity of 8 gallons and can run efficiently on those gallons for up to 14 hours. There are five different AC outlets on the control panel, and there are a couple of duplexes, including a GFCI 20A 120V and a 30A 240V/120V receptacle. There is a DC 8A 12V outlet on it, too, so you can easily charge your batteries.
This unit is designed for outdoor use and has a highly portable construction. It has sturdy and open-frame construction. So this unit is a top choice for harsh conditions and environments. The unit might not be lightweight, but you can quickly move the engine if you order a wheel kit with your genny.
But there is a slight shortcoming here in this 6500 Predator. And that is, it doesn’t feature a fuel indicator. Therefore, it is difficult to guess how much gas you are left with. But it comes with a low-oil indicator.
The engine of this unit comes with its manual. You can go through it and begin setting up and starting the engine with ease. All the information on maintenance and usage is provided in this guide.
Verdict
The Predator 6500 has a powerful, highly versatile unit for outdoor use. You can use it on your campsite, on job sites, for recreation as well as for household purposes.
If you want to be sure that you have enough power for your cooking tools, heating, and cooling equipment, you need to go for this unit. This unit works well for RV travelers.
Check Out Our Review Of The Predator 6500 Generator >>
Predator 4550 Watt Inverter Generator
The 4550 Predator inverter generator comes with a running capacity of 3650 watts, and it uses its inbuilt inverter technology to produce cleaner power. This unit is a perfect choice if you want to charge your sensitive devices.
This unit is for superior efficiency to ensure more power while consuming low fuel. It will conveniently run more than 16 hours per fill-up. And it has ESC or electronic speed control mode that saves fuel and extends the overall engine life.
One of the best features of this unit is that it runs pretty quietly and is rated only for 64.6 dB. Therefore, this unit is an ideal option for boating, camping, RVing, and other recreational purposes.
This unit is equipped with Co Secure technology that shuts down on its own for safety purposes when carbon monoxide levels increase. Moreover, this unit uses pure sine wave technology. It can safely power your sensitive gadgets and electronics, including your television, laptop, and smartphone.
This unit features a durable steel frame that has different GFCI outlets. It has a fuel gauge for easily monitoring fuel levels. Furthermore, it has various low fuel, output, and overload indicators. The generator has a couple of duplex outlets of 120V 5-20R with GFCI protection. It features a couple of USB-A 5V outlets and a twist-lock L5-30R 120V outlet.
This unit is EPA certified, and your purchase will include a screwdriver, a spark plug wrench, an oil funnel, and an RV adapter. Moreover, this unit is quiet as it doesn’t make much sound.
This unit is not that heavy, but it still has some weight. The good thing is that it comes with its wheel kit, and you can use it to move it conveniently. Its runtime is over 16 hours while running at 25 percent capacity.
Verdict
You have to take care of the generator as it does need regular maintenance and cleaning. Otherwise, this unit is a pretty good choice for all your outdoor endeavors.
Whether you are looking to take it out on your camping or RV trips, it will just deliver exceptional performance. It will tell you about the current oil level in your genny, and you can top it up whenever you need it.
Predator 2000 Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator
The Predator 2000 generator is a unit that needs more attention. It looks stylish and unique with its special protective coating and has main controls that are very easy to access on one side. It has an eco-friendly more that can lower the gas needed for the engine to operate as it should. You can use this unit to power different electrical tools. It can easily change a breaker hammer, a portable heater, and other tools. There is enough power to charge speakers, laptops, phones, and more.
This unit is one of the smallest of all Predator generator lineups. However, that doesn’t mean it is not very efficient. Thanks to its portability, this unit is ideal for taking on your camping or other outdoor adventures.
It is equipped with a 79.7cc engine that runs on gas. But this engine provides the unit with enough power to satisfy your daily requirements in case of any emergency. This unit comes with a 12V DC outlet and a couple of 120 AC outlets. Moreover, it has a decent runtime of up to 7 hours with 50 percent tank capacity. It is lightweight and portable, and you can use it on the go as your reliable power source.
But we do think that this unit does lack a roll cage. You will have to do your oil refill by yourself whenever you notice that the oil level is on the lower side. If you haven’t used this type of unit before, you might have to go through the user manual that comes with this unit.
Verdict
This is an excellent choice if you want a diverse unit to cater to your broader power needs. The rice is on the lower side, and you don’t have to do much to care for and maintain this unit as well. For your basic power needs, this suit is an excellent option.
This unit is a top choice if you need power on the go. Therefore, it is a good choice for RV or camping trips. It is highly versatile and won’t consume much fuel, either.
Predator 1400 Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator
With a max power output of 1400 watts and a running capacity of 1100 watts, this unit comes with inbuilt inverter technology. It produces clean energy so you can charge your appliances and sensitive electronics.
The unit comes with ESC mode for optimizing engine performance. This feature enhances fuel efficiency and runtime. But the unit is an ultra-lightweight design and has one of the lightest available on the market.
It only weighs just over 30 lbs and is an ideal option for traveling and camping. Moreover, the lightweight generator doesn’t make much noise either.
This generator is equipped with Co Secure technology that can shut it down automatically for safety reasons. It means it can turn off instantly when carbon monoxide levels increase. This unit can run for about 7.3 hours at 25 percent full up.
The unit is extremely quiet and is rated for 60 dB. It is one of the quietest units available on the market. It is equipped with Pure Sine Wave technology and can conveniently charge your sensitive electronics.
This generator has an ESC mode that can optimize engine performance and maximize the run time. You can extend the power by adding another 1400 Predator units with the help of Parallel Kit.
It has different light indicators to show output level, overload, and low oil. This unit is enclosed in high-impact housing that covers the outer to protect it against all elements and rugged working conditions.
The runtime of this unit is over 7 hours at 25 % capacity, so it is pretty effective and will keep fuel consumption on the lower side. It is equipped with a recoil start, and you can maintain and clean this unit to keep it running in a proper state.
The lightweight unit is easy to carry around, and you can conveniently take it on youth trips. It is one of the best options for outdoor use, and you can even use it indoors to power your sensitive devices.
Verdict
This unit is a lightweight alternative that is a top choice for anyone who needs power on the go. It doesn’t make much noise and can power up your sensitive devices. Moreover, it is one of the most reliable and versatile units. It is one of the most budget-friendly options you can find without compromising the overall performance.
Predator Generators Buying Guide
There are different features that you need to keep in mind when buying a generator. After identifying the needs, look for the specific feature that can address those needs. Here are some of the features that you need to consider.
Wattage and outlets
Wattage is one of the most important features you must consider before buying. It is the unit that helps you measure the power of your engine. With higher power reading, your genny will function better. This power is measured either in watts or horsepower.
The overall wattage you will need will entirely depend upon your daily need. For example, if you are looking for a device that can power your home appliances and other sensitive devices, consider going for a unit that ranges from 3000 watts to 6500 watts.
You have to consider what different outlet options are available as well. Units that are under 4000 watts will mostly have 120 outlets. And as soon as you go beyond 4000 watts, you will start seeing 240V. If you want to place your generator outside, consider GFCI-protected outlets.
Build quality
When buying a genset, you need to consider its overall durability and the materials used in its construction. Most of these generators are well known for their excellent performance and reliability.
Noise level
Another essential aspect to consider here is the overall noise level of your unit. Generators with more power or that are larger tend to be louder too.
But if you are specifically looking for quieter generators and don’t want to compromise on power and output, then you should go for inverter generators.
These inverter genies are extremely effective and are not noisy too. You must consider the noise level of your generators, especially if you live in tighter neighborhoods or apartments.
Make sure that the noise from your generator doesn’t disturb people in your surroundings. Such quieter units are suitable for RV and camping too.
Runtime
You must consider the overall runtime of these units and compare them with one another. Remember how many devices and appliances you will connect with your unit.
If you connect more devices than the overall capacity of the generator, you will make it go out much faster. With more devices connected to your unit, the faster it will run out of juice. Therefore you will need a more powerful engine and runtime if you want to connect more devices.
Price
So, how much should you spend on your Predator generator? Well, this will vary based on how you will use your unit. Don’t go for a cheaper unit; otherwise, it won’t be able to sustain your needs effectively.
But going overboard with a capacity much more than you need will break your wallet in half. Still, some models are just more expensive because they are for top brands like Honda or Yamaha. However, some of these brands have more value, and one of those brands is Predator.
Additional features
Consider the safety features if you have pets and kids in your family. You need to ensure that these units have an automatic shut-off feature that enables the unit to cut power if it detects increasing carbon monoxide levels.
The unit must come with low fuel and output indicators. Predator generators are equipped with Co Secure technology that tracks carbon monoxide levels in the surroundings and cuts the power when the levels are high.
They are equipped with different light indicators to inform you about the current fuel and power supply levels. They come with low-oil shutoff, fuel gauge, and automatic start.
Furthermore, some units are smaller in size than others. But they don’t come with their wheel kit. And without this kit, you won’t be able to move your unit from one place to another unless you have a featherweight unit at your disposal.
Therefore, thank us later if you want a bigger unit, including a wheel kit.
Maintenance
One of the primary advantages of these Predator generators is that you don’t have to do much to clean and maintain these units. They are very simple to clean, and you will get a manual in which all the cleaning instructions are given.
There is not much maintenance that these generators require. That is why they are one of the most reliable and low-maintenance generators available on the market.
Even if you live in an area that experiences a lot of power outages or frequently use your generator on your trips, these Predator generators won’t need much love from you. Just clean them regularly, and you will be good.
FAQs
Where are Predator generators made, and who makes them?
Predator genies are among the best portable inverter units that are available on the market at the moment. These units are developed by Harbor Freight, a reputable company from the USA, while they are all assembled in China.
Are Predator generator units any good?
Predator is a highly reliable brand that ensures quality products. These units have Briggs & Stratton engines in them. Therefore, you can expect high efficiency and durability from them.
Most of the units from the brand are portable, and they are built to deliver guitar performance. The company has served a vast number of customers over the years, and it offers a 2-year warranty on all its units.
If you are looking for a reliable brand that delivers quality and performance without breaking your wallet, then you need to go for Predator.
Check out this article we’ve written about whether predator generators are any good?
Is the engine in Predator genies a clone of Honda?
When talking about portable units, Predator is one of the biggest rivals of Honda. Both brands produce high-quality units, durable, easy to start, and simple to transport.
However, the Predator 212cc engine is very similar to the Honda GX200. This engine might seem identical to Honda’s, but it’s not a clone. Some features might be interchangeable, but others are completely different. They both have entirely different plus points and drawbacks.
Both these engines are similar in terms of fuel efficiency, power output, and power supply. They both produce clean energy and have a lot of power and top-notch fuel efficiency. But predators are more durable and quieter due to their inverter technology.
Are Predator generators quiet?
Inverter units are way quieter than all other types of generators that you tend to find on the market. Now, as most of the generator units by Predator are inverters and run on inverter technology, they are much quieter and can power your inventive gadgets and devices.
So, these units are not only quiet but efficient as well. For instance, the 2000 Predator is noise rated for 52 dB, and it’s extremely quiet if you consider its overall wattage. And if you are using it as its top load, the engine may become a bit louder. Still, it is far quieter than so many other competitor brands.
Conclusion
The predator generators are handy in many scenarios, and you don’t have to pay much money to get them, either. Various capacities are available, most of which are equipped with fuel efficiency mode and inverter technology. It means they are highly fuel-efficient and don’t make much noise.
The units provide cleaner energy and reliability, and they are excellent not only for powering your home appliances or sensitive electronic devices.
Harbor Freight Tools is the manufacturer of these Predator generators. It has ensured these units have everything to deliver top-notch reliability for indoor and outdoor use.